Session 2.2.
Introduction to
Contingency
Planning
UNHCR/InterWorks - Emergency Management Training
2.2.1.
Emergency!
UNHCR/InterWorks - Emergency Management Training
2.2.2.
What is an Emergency?
Any situation in which the life or
well being of refugees will be
threatened unless immediate &
appropriate action is taken and
which demands an extraordinary
response and exceptional
measures.
See Handbook, p.4
UNHCR/InterWorks - Emergency Management Training
2.2.3.
Emergency Preparedness
Activities
Stockpiling supplies
Developing staff rosters
Hiring extra staff
Training
Early warning monitoring
Contingency planning
Etc…
UNHCR/InterWorks - Emergency Management Training
2.2.4.
Contingency Planning
“A forward planning process in a state of
uncertainty in which scenarios and
objectives are agreed, and potential
response systems put in place to respond
to an emergency.”
UNHCR/InterWorks - Emergency Management Training
2.2.5.
Contingency Planning
The Process…
Meet regularly with likely partners to:
 Analyse risks & Identify scenarios
 Define policy & objectives
 Identify activities & tasks for each sector
 Assign likely roles, responsibilities
 Prepare the plan
UNHCR/InterWorks - Emergency Management Training
2.2.6.
Identify Scenarios
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Consider all possibilities
Usually develop only one or two of these
Include worst/best case
Consider probabilities of each case
Emphasize program needs, i.e., build
scenarios around anticipated needs of
affected
UNHCR/InterWorks - Emergency Management Training
2.2.8.
Define Policies &
Strategic Objectives

The overall decisions which guide an emergency
operation, including who will coordinate the
operation

Consider other actors’ (govt’s, UN, NGOs, donors,
etc.) policies as well

Generally should be acceptable to partners
UNHCR/InterWorks - Emergency Management Training
2.2.9.
Define sector-specific objectives and
activities
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Protection
Registration
Physical Planning
Food
Domestic and Other Items
Water
Sanitation
Health & Nutrition
Logistics
Social Issues
UNHCR/InterWorks - Emergency Management Training
2.2.10.
Contingency Planning…
a few points about the process
•
Contingency planning is best done collaboratively - with likely partners in any response
•
Prepare joint plans to minimize duplication among
agencies
•
A contingency plan is a living document, update it!
UNHCR/InterWorks - Emergency Management Training
2.2.11.
Chapters in a contingency plan
1. General background on the situation
2. Scenarios
3. Policies and overall operation
objectives
4. Objectives and activities by sector
5. Procedures for updating
See Handbook, p.39
UNHCR/InterWorks - Emergency Management Training
2.2.15.
Albania Contingency Plan
 Read the Albania contingency plan (p.30
in the workbook)
 Assess the Albania plan against the
standard model contingency plan.
 What are the strengths and weaknesses
of the Albania plan?
UNHCR/InterWorks - Emergency Management Training
2.2.16.